The green-haired woman's voice cut through the tension like a blade, her tone calm yet laced with authority. "No, I won't be taking Lucian with me. I only came here because he said that Lucian was in danger, so he sent me. And he also asked a favor from you, Sword of the Abyss."
Zeydris's expression remained impassive, his sharp gaze fixed on the woman. "That brat did?" he asked, his voice cold and measured. He crossed his arms, his posture rigid and unyielding. "What does he want, then?"
The woman shrugged, her golden eyes glinting with a knowing light. "What else? He, of course, asked you to train Lucian," she replied nonchalantly as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Zeydris's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone icy. "Why should I?" he questioned, his words cutting through the air like a blade.
The woman didn't flinch. "You know the reason as to why… so don't try to act dumb in front of me," she shot back, her voice firm and unyielding.
Zeydris exhaled sharply, his expression hardening. "Fine. I would have done that even if you two didn't ask about it. Now give Lucian here and leave," he said coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The woman paused, her gaze softening as she looked down at Lucian. She knelt beside him, her slender fingers gently brushing through his hair. For a moment, she seemed almost… tender, her golden eyes filled with something Alstair couldn't quite place. Then, with surprising ease, she lifted Lucian's limp body and carried him over to Alstair.
Alstair stood frozen, his mind struggling to process everything that was happening. The woman's presence was overwhelming, her aura radiating power and mystery. He couldn't help but feel small in her shadow, like a mere bystander in a story far beyond his understanding.
When she reached him, she gently pressed a kiss to Lucian's forehead before handing him over to Alstair. Her touch was warm, almost maternal, but her eyes were cold and distant. Without a word, she turned and began to walk away, her movements graceful and unhurried.
Alstair's mind raced. Who is she? Why does she care so much about Lucian? And who is this 'he' they keep talking about? The questions swirled in his head, but he didn't dare voice them. Something about the woman's presence silenced him, as if speaking out of turn would bring down her wrath.
Just as she was about to disappear into the distance, she stopped. Without turning back, she spoke, her voice carrying a weight that made Alstair's chest tighten. "It would be obvious to you, but I'm saying it again. Don't tell Lucian anything about him or this incident."
And with that, she vanished, leaving behind only the faint scent of flowers and a lingering sense of unease.
Alstair blinked, his grip tightening on Lucian's unconscious form. 'What the hell is even happening here?!? he thought, his mind a storm of confusion and disbelief. And does Lucian know that girl or something? Who is this 'he' they were talking about?'
He shook his head, trying to clear the chaos in his mind. Ugh… I have so many questions… but for now, let's just stick with that mister. He's strong, after all, and he said he'd train Lucian. So if I were to build a close relationship with Lucian or help him in some way… I could get protection as long as I'm here. The thought brought a small measure of comfort, though it did little to ease the knot of anxiety in his chest.
"Let's go," Zeydris's commanding voice snapped Alstair out of his stupor. The man's tone was sharp, leaving no room for hesitation. Alstair nodded quickly, adjusting Lucian's weight on his back before following Zeydris into the unknown.
__________
"We are almost there" Zeydris's voice broke Alstair from his recalling past.
He looked around his surroundings. Seeing it only one thought came to his mind…
'What the hell is this?!?'
They were walking in a ruined town, the buildings and houses destroyed while some were in conditions that could at least provide a roof but other than that? It was very bad….like a hunted town.
After walking a bit they stood before a building that was 4 floors high and was at least a bit more presentable than the others.
"Go inside and get some rest. I'll bring us something to eat. If Lucian wakes up… well, try to keep him calm. Just tell him we rescued him. You know women like her keep their identity and looks a secret, so there's no need to say anything about that."
Alstair nodded.
But after a moment, he hesitated and asked, "Um, sir… how did you deal with that Vespralith so easily? I thought they were the strongest in the Titan rank."
"That one? If it was a peak Titan rank, Lucian wouldn't have made it. That thing was just a newborn, a low Calamity rank at best. It only looked like a Titan rank because even the weaker abyss creatures got fooled by its appearance. Vespraliths are strange like that. Even when they're young, they look like adults, but they aren't as strong."
"Now go get some rest. I'll be back soon," he said as he turned and walked away.
Even though he didn't want to, Alstair did as Zeydris told him. He sighed and went into the building.
'Even if it was just a newborn, it was still Calamity rank... And that woman, she snapped its neck like it was nothing. Then she froze it in a place like it couldn't move at all… What kind of insane situation is this?'
He kept thinking about that moment over and over.
"This place is dusty, but I guess it'll do," he muttered as he looked around inside.
He found a room, walked in, and spotted an old mattress. He laid Lucian down on it carefully.
"I guess I'll look for another room to rest in too," Alstair said as he walked to the room on the left, right next to where Lucian was resting.